Chapter 4

Ready to see what happens to these Bastards?

Here ya go….

They all made eye contact all reading each other's mind. On Bryan's nod they all leap out. Crutchie and Romeo took Morris down from behind, while Jack and Bryan knocked Oscar off of the girl. Oscar recovered quickly and swung back missing Jack, but knocking Bryan in the face. The momentum knocked him off his center. The next thing he knew he was face first in the dirt. By the time he had gotten up he saw Oscar and Morris bolting being chased by Jack, and Romeo. Crutchie hobbling behind them with his crutch swinging in the air yelling profanities.

Bryan got up and started to follow, but a sob from behind reminded him why they were beating down the Delanceys in the first place. The girl! He turned around. The girl was sitting up against the tree holding her blouse together. She was trying not to cry but losing the battle. He walked over to her. She jumped when she saw his shadow approach her. She looked up at him. Her green eyes were watered over, but they were the greenest eyes he'd ever seen. But that could have been accented by the contrasting red around her eyes. He knew he shouldn't be thinking this but he couldn't help thinking how beautiful she was.

Katherine looked up at this boy, well young man. He had to be a few years older than her, but couldn't be much. He seemed barely able to grow a beard. He was looking straight into her eyes. They were a blue-gray like the sky before it rained. After everything that had happened she should have been scared, but when she looked up at him, she didn't feel scared. He had a warmth that shown from his eyes.

Bryan bent down taking his coat off and holding it out to her.

"Here. It's not the cleanest, but It'll cover ya."

Katherine had forgot for moment the state of her clothing. Embarrassed she held her blouse a little tighter to her. She took his coat and put it on, buttoning up the front. It was big, but it would do. Bryan slowly sat down next to her. He felt her shaking. Katherine tried to make it stop, but her body seemed to be subconsciously reacting to what had just happened.

"Are you ok? They didn't hurt you did they?"

Katherine took a moment to assess herself. She felt ok, and they hadn't succeed in….well she didn't want to think about what they almost did. She felt stupid that she wasn't able to defend herself. She had to rely on some random strangers to come to her aid.

Katherine touched her face at the cut. She felt the blood on her fingers when she pulled them away she just stared at the dark red blood.

"Here…"

Bryan grabbed a handkerchief out of his back pocket attempted to press it to the cut. She jumped. Not wanting to be touched by anyone at the moment. She looked at him, giving him a silent apology with a look. He seemed to understand, and offered it to her to take. She took it and pressed it to the cut. They sat there for a few minutes. Both processing the sequence of events that had just happened. Bryan touched his face, the area around his eye was tender, he could expect a nice swollen eye by tomorrow morning. But it was a small price to pay for what could have happened.

Katherine broke the silence, speaking for the first time since he had arrived.

"Thank you." She whispered not making eye contact with him, and looking at the grass in front of her.

"I'm so sorry that happened to you. Those guys is bastards."

Katherine's head popped up in his direction, not that she didn't disagree...but surprised he might have associated with the likes of those boys.

"You know them?"

Bryan saw the fear returning to her eyes. Knowing she was thinking he was like the Delanceys. He put her fears to rest:

"I've actually wanted to soak them for awhile. I'm sorry I didn't take them out when I had the chance. Then maybe this wouldn't of happen to you."

Katherine looked back at the ground. This young man somehow felt responsible for her.

"This wasn't your fault…..I mean I've never met you before. How could someone I've never met feel guilty about this? You couldn't have known."

Bryan laughed.

"Yeah but if I did, they wouldn't of had any equipment to even try it."

This made Katherine smile a little.

"I'm Bryan."

Katherine bit her lip, of course she would have to tell this guy her name, it was the least she could do after he and his friends had saved her from those assholes. But what a scandal this could be, and her father would take the brunt of it. She didn't want to lie to him, he seemed nice.

"I'm uhhhh...Kat."

Using her more informal nickname, normally reserved for family and friends. Hoping he wouldn't make the connection to her family like Oscar and Morris did.

Bryan smiled. That name fit her, even though she was small and cute in appearance, he could tell she could bring out claws.

"This is my fault actually, I should have headed home hours ago."

"Don't thinks for one second think that what those assholes did was your fault! Being out late shouldn't mens you's askin' for it. Some guys thinks that women are just things for them to dos with as they wants. I's find it sick."

Katherine was surprised to hear a man talk to her like this. Most men don't consider women equal and deserving the same rights as them. Well with the exception of her father, that is until recently.

"You don't often hear men talk about women like that."

Now it was Bryan's turn to snap his head up at Katherine.

"You's a person just as much as me. I don't believe in any of that 'fairer sex' nonsense! I's was raised by the strongest women I's ever known!"

Katherine looked up at him knowing there must be a story to follow.

"Me ma. After my dad left she had to work to support us. she was stronger than 10 men and worked harder than they's everyday. Plus she had me to raise on top of that."

Katherine could see some tears pooling in Bryan's eyes.

"She died when I was 11. At the factory, working extra hours. The machinery broke because it hadn't been inspected in weeks. Boss didn't think it was necessary, plus it was only women working on it. Guess the safty didn't matta to him."

Katherine heart sank for him. She'd heard of the terrible working conditions, Her father's paper had covered them in the hopes of making the factory workers own up to their mistakes.

She couldn't imagine a life without either of her parents. Even though they disagreed, they still loved and support her.

He wiped his eye quickly. Stood up and shook himself off.

"Yous seem like a strong lady, Kat. But I doubt a grown man could of fought off those two if they jumped yas in the dark. Things gotten a bit terrible any more. That's why's I was walking the boys home. If I'm not there I tells them theys make sure theys walk in groups at night."

Katherine felt a little better knowing that. But still shaken from the experience.

"Do you think yous can stand Kat?"

She nodded and started to stand, but she was still uneasy on her feet she wobbled and used the tree to steady her. Bryan jumped up and held his arms out to catch her if she fell.

"Woah! Easy there!"

She took a minute to get her bearings.

"I think I'm ok, but I need to get home before my parents find out I'm gone-Wait"

Katherine franticly looked around, Her journal. Where was it? Probably the most valuable thing she owned. There were papers strown about when she fell, footprints on them. but she didn't see the book.

"My journal! Where's-"

She turned a little too fast, and fell backwards. Bryan caught her right before she hit the ground. Both of them landing in the grass. Bryan's body softening her fall. Everything seem to hit her at once. All that had happened, her fight with her father, the men, and now her journal missing. She couldn't hold it in any longer. Katherine started crying letting her tears fall on Bryan's chest. She didn't move away. She just needed someone to comfort her, even though she just met him, she felt safe with him. She just knew he wasn't going to hurt her.

"I'm sorry...I just-"

He lightly wrapped his arms around her, and stroked her hair. Something he remembered his Mother doing to comfort him. Neither of them said anything. Katherine just cried into Bryan's chest.

Bryan could hear footsteps coming towards them they both shot up, fearing Oscar and Morris had come back.

Romeo emerged from the trees laughing

"Hey Shoots! Did you see that? They's went running like a bunch a cowards! We's almost got em!"

Romeo stopped in his tracks seeing Katherine in Bryan's arms. His shirt soaked with her tears.

"She ok there?"

He asked referring to Katherine. She nodded, as Bryan helped her back up.

"Just a little shaken, Thank you for what you did...umm…"

"Romeo, at yours service Miss. Wish I coulda gotten them though..."

"You's didn't catch them?"

"Jack and Crutchie almost caught Oscar, but he got Crutchie in his bad leg, took him down. Jack tried to follow, but he jumped a fence."

A sound from behind them made them all jump. Bryan throwing his arm out instinctively in front of Katherine. Jack and Crutchie entered from behind them. Crutchie with his arm around Jack, using him to walk.

"Damn bastard! Who kicks a cripple?"

"Probably the same fellas that try to force themselves on a poor lady."

Bryan walked over and helped Jack get Crutchie to the tree.

"You's doing ok Crutch?"

"I's ok, how's the lady?"

"Shes' doin' ok considerin'."

All the boys turned their attention to Katherine. She suddenly felt very embarrassed, pulling Bryan's jacket closer to her.

"Kat, I wants yous to meet your real heros. This here's Romeo, that's Crutchie, and this ugly bastard heres Jack."

"Nice to meet ya Kat."

"Sure wish it woulda been under plesanter circumstances."

"Thank you for all your help. I don't know what would have happened if-"

She started to tear up again overcome. Damn, what's with this? She's never cried this much in front of anyone. Bryan rushed over to her. Putting his arm on her shoulders.

"And it didn't. They's assholes!"

"The worst!"

"Don't worry, they's gonna get theres someday."

Katherine smiled. These boys were being so sweet to her, and they barely even knew her.

"I don't know how I'll ever be able to repay you gentlemen."

The boys snickered. Katherine worried that she might have said something to offend them.

"I'm Sor-"

"No wes' just never had anyone call us Gents"

"I can't imagine anyone deserving of the title."

They all smiled. Katherine realized that they were now in almost darkness. She needed to get home before her parents realized she snuck out.

"I'm sorry I've got to get home!"

She started to take off in one direction….but looked around disoriented, not sure which way she should go. The boys sensed her fear. Crutchie was the first to speak up.

"Don't worry Miss. We's will escort ya home."

As he stepped towards her he winced in pain, and started to fall. Jack and Romeo rushed up to catch him.

"Easy there Crutch!"

"Oscar soaked that leg pretty good didn't he?"

"Nah, it's just a little stif-"

Bryan stepped towards him, knowing the pain the boy was feeling. He knew Crutchie was trying to hide his pain from Kat, not wanting her to realize he was hurt because of her. This boy, always putting others before himself. He was a saint at only 11 years old.

"Hey fellas, you better get back to the boarding house. Yous don't want them to lock the doors on ya tonight."

Romeo and Jack taking the cue from Bryan. Also sensing their buddy's pain.

"You's right Shoots. You can help get this lady home ok?"

"No, I'll be ok...I don't nee-"

"It's not a problem, and theres are far worse characters than the Delanceys yous could run into on your way."

Katherine tensed up at that comment. Not ever wanting to relive that experience again. She went and gathered the loose papers and bag. Still no sign of her Journal.

While Katherine was gathering the papers, Bryan went up to Crutchie, Jack, and Romeo.

"Yous guys really ok? Crutchie?"

"I'ms ok Shoots, I've had much worse. do you think she's gonna be ok?"

Bryan looked back at Katherine.

"Yeah, she's gonna need time, but I think she'll be ok."

"She's a tough lady."

"If I do sees Oscar or Morris anytime soon they's gonna get it for sure."

Bryan looked at Jack, worried for what might happen to his brother. He was far too hot headed for his own good.

"Easy there Cowboy, don't worry we will soak em' but we's gotta be a team. They will get what's comin to em. Just wait."

Jack smiled at Bryan. He pulled him into a hug. This man was always lookin out for him.

"Latta Shoots!"

He and Romeo put Crutchie's arms around their shoulders and headed off.

Katherine watched the boys interaction. They all really cared about each other, like their own little family. Knowing that Bryan was an orphan, she made an educated guess that the others were as well. But they were like brothers, they had formed their own family.

As she finished gathering her papers as Bryan walked up.

"Ready Kat?"

"Yeah, Let's go Shoots"

She accented the nickname she'd heard from the boys. They both had a well needed laugh.

They walked in silence. He could feel she was still shaky, and rightfully so. He just let her lean on him as they walked. She lead the way to the Pulitzer townhouse not too far from the park.

"Would yous like me to come in and explain the situation to yahs….Parents?...or uhh Husband? what happened."

Katherine laughed at the thought of her having a husband. But she was soon entering 'Spinster age' not being married around 18.

"Parents, and no they are probably in bed already. They think I'm in my room actually. So..."

She turned walked down the alley towards the fire escape. Bryan looked confused, then realized as she was attempting to scale the ladder. She must have snuck out and didn't want to walk through the front door with the way she looked. Katherine found it difficult to maneuver up the fire escape, her muscles were aching and refusing to properly work for her. Bryan followed her, wanting to make sure she got in safely.

Katherine felt his lingering presence, and didn't know why he was still here. She had made it home, and she wanted nothing more than to shower and forget all of this.

"Not to be rude, Bryan….but I'm home. Thank you for…everything"

Bryan was still unsure about leaving her without getting her into her house.

"You's sure you don't want to wake up your folks? I'm sure theys would want to be woken up after what you've been through."

Katherine snapped around suddenly angry. He didn't seem to understand that she wanted to keep this secret. He had no idea what the consequences would be if her father found out what had happened. She walked right up to him...wanting to get in his face but he was quite a bit taller than her, so she looked up at him.

"Look THANK YOU for what you did tonight….but I DO realize what I've just been through..OK? I'm very grateful that you and your friends came by when you did, but I'm not some poor defenseless little girl who cries and runs to her father just because some shit boys try to feel me up. I am FINE, and I don't want them to know what happened."

Bryan backed up. Kat had quite a bit of a bite when she got angry. Morris and Oscar might not have stood a chance if they hadn't surprised her. She was a strong woman, and she wasn't going to take him telling her what to do.

"Now if you aren't going to help, then you need to leave."

He nodded and lifted her up on the ladder. Once she was on he followed her up so she didn't fall.

Katherine was happy to see the window still open. It meant that neither her parents, or Edith had been in her room. She climbed back into the room. Bryan perched on her fire escape. Satisfied she was safely home.

"Sorry...I do….I just..."

She didn't know what more to say

"Thank You…."

Bryan sulated her, and turned to leave. But he turned back to the window. Pulling out something from his forgotten briefcase.

"Heys Kat...The boys saw Oscar drop this and figured it was yours."

Katherine looked at her journal. She ran up and took it from Bryan. Looking into his eyes one more time. They held each other's gaze for a moment. Then he turned and disappeared down the fire escape. Just as he had left Katherine realized she was still wearing his jacket! She ran to her window, but didn't see him anywhere.

From behind her she heard the hinges of her bedroom door squeak.

"Katherine Ethel Pulitzer!" She cringed and slowly turned around ready to face her fate.

What's going to happen to Katherine?...To BE CONTINUED...